Act 2

• What significant event occurs in Act 2 of Macbeth?

  The murder of King Duncan
• What is the inciting incident in Act 2?

  The murder of King Duncan by Macbeth
• What happens in Act 2 Scene 1 of Macbeth?

  • Banquo speaks to his son, Fleance
  • Banquo can't sleep due to nightmares
  • Macbeth lies about not thinking of the witches
  • Macbeth hallucinates a floating dagger
  • He contemplates killing Duncan
• What does Macbeth's soliloquy about the dagger reveal?

  His troubled state of mind and ambition
• What does Lady Macbeth do to signal Macbeth?

  She rings a bell
• How does Macbeth feel after killing Duncan?

  He is filled with guilt and paranoia
• What does Macbeth say about his hands after the murder?

  That they are a "sorry sight"
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "a little water clears us of this deed"?

  They can wash away their guilt easily
• What is the significance of the Porter's speech in Act 2 Scene 3?

  • Provides comic relief
  • Breaks tension after Duncan's murder
  • Highlights the theme of appearance vs. reality
• Who discovers King Duncan's body?

  Macduff
• What does Macduff mean by "daggers in men's smiles"?

  People may appear friendly but are deceitful
• What unnatural events are discussed in Act 2 Scene 4?

  • Darkness during the day
  • Owls killing falcons
  • Duncan's horses eating each other
• How does Ross view the flight of Duncan's sons?

  It makes them look suspicious
• Who is named king after Duncan's murder?

  Macbeth
• What is the overall outcome of Act 2 in Macbeth?

  • Macbeth and Lady Macbeth murder Duncan
  • Nature is disrupted, reflecting their guilt
  • Macbeth is crowned king of Scotland